Imposing and majestic in its green setting, the abbey was founded under Charlemagne in 779. It was the largest abbey in the department and has been one of its finest architectural treasures ever since. Facing the medieval city, classified among "The most beautiful villages in France", this imposing Benedictine monument commands respect and presents a breathtaking catalog of architecture from the 8th to the 18th century. From the French Revolution, several owners have succeeded and since 2004, the Department of Aude owns the oldest part, called "Public". We discover the mainly medieval buildings: the courtyard of the abbey house, the cellar, the bakery, the chapels and their vestibules, the sacristy, the north transept, the pre-Romanesque tower, the lapidary deposit, the ceremonial room as well as the dormitory. partly restored in 2009. The other part, private, called "Abbaye Canoniale Sainte Marie" belongs to religious. It can be visited separately from the public part presented here.
Additional Information : Last entry one hour before the abbey closes.
